I have smoked 30 cigarettes a day for over 40 years. I've always really enjoyed it but I think the time is right for me to give up. The lift at work wasn't working so I had to climb 2 flights of stairs ... seriously thought I was going to have to call for an ambulance I was so out of breath 🚑

Cigarettes are so expensive now too (I live in Australia) and I reckon I could go on 2 cruises next year with the money I save lol

I've tried to stop in the past with patches, chewing gum etc but always went back to it.

My doctor has recommended I go on Champix but I've read such horror stories about the side effects that I'm a bit scared to start the course. I intend to bite the bullet and take my first tablet tomorrow morning. Has anyone taken Champix and could give me some advice? I'm feeling scared but also excited that hopefully in a couple of weeks I'll be able to call myself a non-smoker 👍

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hi I used champix a few years ago and stopped for 4 months, but started again. they do help a lot as you carry on smoking when you start them and they eventually put you off smoking, I found after about a week I was lighting a fag having a couple puffs and throwing it away.

You sound the same as me ..40 years of 30 a day scary when you look at it...I quit cold turkey so cant help you in terms if using champix.

When you start your quit journey...download a quit smoking app to your phone... I quit almost 17 months and based on the prices then ( In Australia here too) i have saved just over $11,000 in that time...so yes... you could go on two cruises with your savings.

Right from day 1 i put away the money i was spending and am so glad i did as it is my constant reminder of just how far i have a come

The support from our lovely members here is what got me through the tough times..Our wee mantra - NOPE - Not One Puff Ever tattooed in my head helped as well..

You can do this...I found the cravings side of it very easy...it was all the other things as my body readjusted not have all the chemicals from smoking..

Have a read around the site and especially the pinned posts to the right as there a wealth of information

Keep us posted on how your doing and all the very best of luck - You Got this

As mentioned above, I used champix/chantix and I personally found it made my quit easier (not easy, but easier) than times before when I used NRT and/or cold turkey -- kind of took the edge off withdrawal. Some of the "horror stories" you hear -- like vivid dreams -- are, or can also be simply a reaction to nicotine withdrawal! As may be high anxiety, etc. Consult your GP (not the purveyors of horror stories) if you do have any worrisome or unacceptable side effects.

Good evening Audrey34 and a big warm welcome to our lovely quit support community

Audrey, Champix is an excellent form of NRT and please dont believe all you read there is no need to be scared, I assure you

So first tablet tomorrow then, please eat something when you take it and all the tablets, cos otherwise you may feel a bit sickly even if its just a couple of biscuits, these will help

Please, please finish the course, cos I got cocky and cut it short, yep you've guessed it, I was back smoking after a couple of weeks

When I used it, I got to about the 10th day I think and I went from smoking 35 a day down to 9 soooo, then I knew the champix was doing its job and quit the next day

Side affects - the first few days were the worst I had heartburn, I couldnt sleep, I was rather windy and had a job going to the toilet But, after those first few days, my body seemed to get used to them and all came good and then, I used to have a rite job getting up for work in the mornings

Audrey, as you can see from your reply's, we have a fantastic quit family on here and we all try to help each other along on our quit journey's Please stay with us and we will help you as much as we can

Aup Audrey, thats great to hear that your cutting down already just let the Champix do its job and soon, you just wont want a ciggy at all When this happens, just let me know the date and I can add you to the Wall of Winners and sort you a Winners badge out

Please stay close to us Audrey and let us know how your getting on and if you need any help what so ever, you just come a shouting gal and we will try to help you